Plant Nursery Staff Job Description

Position Overview

The Plant Nursery Staff member plays a crucial role in the daily operations of the nursery, ensuring the health and vitality of our plant inventory and providing exceptional customer service. This position requires a passion for horticulture, strong physical stamina, and a commitment to maintaining a clean, organized, and welcoming environment for customers.

Key Responsibilities

Plant Care and Maintenance

• Watering, fertilizing, pruning, and repotting a diverse range of plant material, including annuals, perennials, shrubs, and trees, according to established schedules and needs.

• Monitoring plants for signs of pests, diseases, or nutritional deficiencies and applying appropriate treatments (e.g., integrated pest management, organic controls) under supervision.

• Assisting with inventory management, including receiving, pricing, and organizing new plant shipments.

• Maintaining propagation areas, greenhouses, and outdoor growing spaces to ensure optimal growing conditions.

• Performing general grounds maintenance, including weeding, sweeping, and organizing display areas.

Customer Service and Sales

• Greeting customers warmly and assisting them with plant selection, offering expert advice on planting, care, and landscape design suitable for their specific needs and local conditions.

• Operating the point-of-sale (POS) system for sales transactions, handling cash and credit card payments accurately.

• Answering customer questions via phone and in-person regarding plant availability, care, and general gardening topics.

• Processing special orders and coordinating plant deliveries or pick-ups.

• Maintaining a high level of product knowledge about current stock and seasonal availability.

Operations and Safety

• Assisting with the setup and breakdown of seasonal displays and promotional events.

• Ensuring all tools and equipment are properly cleaned, maintained, and stored safely.

• Following all company safety protocols and procedures, particularly when handling equipment, chemicals, or heavy materials.

• Contributing to a positive and collaborative team environment.

Qualifications

Required Skills and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Minimum of one (1) year experience in a retail nursery, garden center, or related horticultural field is preferred.

• Basic knowledge of plant identification, botany, common pests, and diseases.

• Strong verbal communication skills and a friendly, customer-focused demeanor.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.

• Proficiency with basic math for calculating measurements, quantities, and sales transactions.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 20 pounds repeatedly throughout the day.

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, and kneel for extended periods.

• Willingness to work outdoors in various weather conditions (heat, cold, rain).

• Comfortable operating basic horticultural equipment (e.g., wheelbarrows, hand tools).

Schedule and Compensation

• Employment Type: Seasonal

• Hours: weekdays/weekends

Compensation: negotiable